Protective barrier serum that helps to give the skin an even texture; cocktail of targeted antioxidants that diminishes the look of lines and wrinkles by up to 54%.

Armed with Super Antioxidant System (SAS), it defends against the visible aging effects of free radicals triggered by environmental assaults both immediately after exposure and again up to 72 hours later. It helps strengthen skin and boost its natural defenses by helping skin bolster its collagen production to improve visible skin tone, radiance and diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Inexpensive, natural toner that helps to freshen up and tighten the skin.

Rose water is an effective, exhilarating freshener that not only tones the skin but also lifts the spirit. Neal’s Yard is the most economic i had tried ; Aromatherapy Associates has a damask rose facial toner ; Amanda Lacey & Chantecaille both have luxurious rose tonics ( almost pure rose distillate ).

Helps to reduce the depth of wrinkles and hydrates the skin to give the face a plumped-up, youthful glow.This revolutionary Anti-Ageing cream uses the Marine extract Padina Pavonica to transform the complexion in just over 2 weeks. Trials proved that the appearance in wrinkle depth was reduced by up to 78% and that hydration was increased by up to 45%. Skin firmness and elasticity are dramatically increased, whilst providing superior free radical protection.

Collagen is a great moisture magnet, but i don’t believe topical application of collagen enriched skin cream could revive/enhance collagen production in the dermis. I prefer creams with retinoids, peptides, alpha hydroxy acids.

4) Jurlique Biodynamic Beauty Serum

A lightweight serum made from biodynamic ingredients ; Rich in the living energy of organic Black Elder and Licorice, this serum helps fade discolorations and brightens skin for increased radiance ; Beech Tree Buds, Hibiscus and Yeast help strengthen the skin.

Jurlique’s biodynamic serum leaves a matt finish due to the presence of starch and i don’t find it nourishing enough. Biodynamic? Sounds more like a marketing scam.

5) Eve Lom Kiss Mix

Compact lip treatment which moisturises lips and gives a dewy, subtle sheen. One application lasts a long time.

My favorite! ( at least one of ) – dense enough for protection and nourishment , yet light enough for comfort; It’s also quite “minty” on application; The only complaint is you have to dip your finger into the pot……

A light yet very nourishing night cream that is easily and hygenically dispensed from a nifty press pump.

I enjoy using Vaishaly’s product; no hypes, simple rituals, delicate scents, good enough to eat ingredients……

8) Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Extremely gentle exfoliant that can be used every day for a brighter-looking appearance.

As I use Eve Lom’s cleanser with polishing cloth, i find this unnecessary ; However, powdery paste like Dermalogica’s daily microfoliant is less abrasive when skin is blemished/irritated/inflammed. Calmia has a similar version ( skin bright micro polish ), both containing fruit enzymes and acids to renew the skin.

9) Chanel Précision Lait Confort creamy cleansing milk

A light, everyday cleaning milk which is soft on the skin and effectively removes the day’s grime.

There are plenty of equally efficient cleansing milk out there, which your bank manager will agree……

10) Dr Sebagh creme Extreme Maintenance

Ultra-rich cream specifically designed for very dry or sensitive skin. Absorbs easily.

An easily absorbed daily moisturiser with antioxidants and the bonus of an inbuilt SPF 15.

This kind of formulation might be a breakthrough in the 90’s, but what’s so special about it nowadays? I demand my day cream to have antioxidant properties and sun screens ( including sufficient UVA protection )

12) Ila face mask for revitalising skin

Clay-based mask infused with Damascene rose otto and Argan oil that draws out impurities without drying the skin. Gives the face a bright glow.

Rose flower oil calms sensitivity, and vitamin E provides antioxidant protection, conditioning, and softening benefits all while locking in moisture for a plumper, more supple complexion.

Developed for mature and prematurely aging skin, this gentle cleanser prepares the skin for further treatment, leaving it perfectly cleansed, soft and comfortable.

I had read about reviews of this cleanser in Makeupalley, most of the users were complaining that this powerful cleanser tends to dry up the skin and is too low foaming for an effective cleansing.

It doesn’t make my retin A treated skin flaky or irritated ( may be my skin had accustomed to “harsh” treatment after retinoid acid ). It smell is not as rosy as i would prefer. However, it does clean reasonably well, leaves my skin smooth & bright.

I found a way to make it foamy enough for my preference; i apply it on dry face, like any other milky cleanser, massage it all over, then add in a handful of luke warmth water. The emulsified solution will foams, and in my opinion, a rather dense fine foam!

I also use it all over my body as an exfoliant /moisturiser, without any adverse effect. I purchased this product in salon size!

( I had edited the recommended products based on my personal encounter with those miracle lotions & potions )

Just like budgets, diets and alcohol limits, beauty regimes tend to go out of the window during the party season. Seasonal drinking, dancing and cavorting make for fun times during December but it’s our face and body that suffer on those dreaded mornings-after-the-night-before.

Luxurious beautifying mornings are replaced by a hungover scramble for any quick-fix that will leave us looking vaguely human again.

Luckily the beauty world is more than equipped to help us hide night owl habits in a flash.

Time to stock up on Alka-Seltzer and an armful of SOS after-party products.

WAKE-UP CALL

The alarm has gone off and crawling to work in your duvet is just not an option. Hit the shower for a reviving wake-up call. Avoid turning the temperature gauge into the red – a lot of moisture evaporates from your skin during a hot shower, making you even more dehydrated.

Finished this invigorating regime with Dr Hauschka Rosemary Bath – contains essential oil of Rosemary which warms and vitalises the body; or Sage Bath – for refreshing and revitalising tired, swollen and burning feet. Helps feet which tend to feel cold and which suffer from callouses. Revitalising the entire body, especially after sport and over-exertion.

EYE BAG ALERT

If sleep has become a rare commodity during the party season, your under-eyes might resemble your Christmas shopping bags. But lack of sleep isn’t the only cause of dark circles.

“In Chinese medicine dark circles and bags under the eyes are an indication that there is stress on the kidneys, which makes sense after lots of parties and late nights,” explains Sally Penford of the International Dermal Institute.

“Look for light diffusing products. These will act like a multitude of tiny microscopic mirrors that deflect the light away from the eye and help disguise dark circles.”

I also love Amanda LaceyIlluminating Eye Gel– with the very best, professional grade botanicals with natural proteins, anti-oxidants and age-defying technology, this silken gel works deep-down within the skin to rejuvenate, firm and lift, while micro-specks of soft focus mica adjusts light reflection to minimise the appearance of wrinkles and under eye circles. Moisture retaining mucopolysaccharide provides long-lasting hydration while soothing actives reduce bruising and puffiness.

Avoid magnifying mirrors at all costs after a wild night on the tiles – you don’t want to see red eyes, blotchy skin and puffy cheeks staring back at you. Ensure your face is make-up free, then begin your fresh-faced disguise.

“Achieving a public-friendly façade is the way to look at it,” says David Horne, education director at the Jemma Kidd Make Up School.

“Concealer is going to be your best friend, whether you’re backstage at a party or waking up on the hotel floor. You can mix it with your eye cream to make it more hydrating if the skin’s dry, put it straight on from the product to get more coverage or even use it as a foundation if you mix it with some moisturiser.”

TRY: Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque

I loves YSL Flash Radiance Skincare Brush – With a single brush stroke, signs of fatigue are erased, and skin is left feeling velvety smooth and fresh with radiance! This high-performance formula combines all the benefits of a skincare product with the precision and ease of a brush, the silky and comfortable texture glides over the skin, leaving it feeling incredibly fresh and invigorated. A blend of energizing active ingredients combine the Grain of Paradise extract with caffeine to erase signs of fatigue. On the skin’s surface, light-reflecting micro-pigments are able to capture and diffuse light, to reduce skin imperfections and boost radiance.

A seaweed derived sugar forms a veil that maintains moisture on the surface of the skin and protects it against external threats. Wheat proteins combined with sugar extracted from oats and a silcon elastomer allow for the formula to quickly smooth fine lines, leaving it feeling soft and velvety.

Finish with Armani Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup SPF 12.

The last thing you want is a thick, pasty, cakey complexion that highlights all the sins; So i strongly recommend a light, natural finish that’s more forgiving ( if done correctly, will gives you the well rested glow )

HAIR REPAIR

Woken up with locks like Amy Winehouse after an all-nighter? There’s only so far you can go using the ‘I’m working the bed-head hair trend’ excuse every day at the office.

If your boss is giving you funny looks it’s time to put some effort into your crowning glory – minus pricey salon blow dries. “Apply serum through the lengths to add definition and a glossing effect to tired or dull hair,” hairdresser Mark Hill recommends.

“A shine serum will not only smooth down unruly morning after hair and reflect shine from the sleek finish, but also nourish deep into the shaft and cuticle.”

I like James Brown serum; Chanel No.5 or Coco Mademoiselle fragrant hair mist will even refresh your hair and conceal that sickening smell of yesternight smoke/sweat……

PIN PICK-UP

Agyness Deyn may be supermodel of the moment but the party girl is regularly snapped with her long limbs covered in bruises. If you’re prone to bumps and knocks, you may wake up after a night out looking like some rare breed of purple leopard.

Dr Chris Steele, GP from This Morning says: “There isn’t anything you can do to prevent bruises, but it is possible to minimise the longevity and appearance of them by using arnica, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help speed up the healing process.”